When poor posture becomes torture | shell deformation

Quote from Reptile rescue centre Aachen

The tortoise in the image, a Greek tortoise (Testudo hermanni), is a shocking example of how severely improper care can impact the life of these animals. The shell deformity seen here is not merely a cosmetic defect; it is the result of years of suffering. Many people underestimate the needs of these fascinating reptiles or are simply unaware of the immense pain and suffering they cause them through improper care.



Image source: Reptile rescue centre Aachen

Causes of Shell Deformities: A Slow and Painful Process

The primary causes of shell deformities in tortoises are improper diet, inadequate UVB exposure, and unsuitable living conditions. These deformities are caused by unnatural, uneven growth of the shell, resulting from these deficiencies. Some common and alarming issues include:

1. Improper Diet: Tortoises in captivity are often fed inappropriate foods such as fruits, cat food, or protein-rich plants like peas or beans. This diet leads to uncontrolled growth that deforms the shell in an irregular and painful way.
2. Lack of UVB Light: Without UVB light, tortoises cannot synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption. A lack of calcium results in a soft, deformed shell. These shell deformities cause not only external changes but also lead to internal organ damage and lifelong suffering.
3. Horrible "Floor Housing" in Apartments: A shockingly common mistake is keeping tortoises on the floor of an apartment. In such cases, the tortoise is simply left to roam on the apartment floor, often without any special lighting, UVB lamps, or a structured environment. This hard, cold surface is entirely unsuitable for tortoises and deprives them of any opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors. The lack of UVB exposure, which naturally comes from sunlight, inevitably leads to a slow, painful deterioration of the shell and the tortoise's overall health.

The Devastating Consequences of Poor Care

The story of a tortoise poorly cared for over the years is long and agonizing:

• Chronic Pain and Limited Mobility: A deformed tortoise suffers with every movement. It can no longer walk, climb, or dig freely, drastically reducing its quality of life. Tortoises often do not show pain like a dog or a cat—but their silent suffering is real.
• Organ Displacement and Internal Damage: The unnatural shape of the shell can compress internal organs. This leads to severe health issues, such as breathing difficulties, digestive disorders, and heart problems. The organs are literally squeezed together, causing a slow, agonizing decline for the animal.
• Injuries and Infections: Particularly when kept on hard surfaces like laminate or tile flooring in an apartment, tortoises often develop cracks in their shells that easily become inflamed and infected. These infections often spread unnoticed and can lead to a painful death.

Tragic Examples of Poor Care

In reality, one often sees shocking examples of how badly tortoises suffer due to ignorance:

• Apartment Housing Without UVB Light and Structure: Tortoises simply living on the floor of an apartment, without access to UVB light or a well-structured habitat, suffer quietly. Their bones and shells become soft, and they lose the ability to move normally. These animals often become severely ill and die prematurely.
• Terrariums Without Hiding Places and Far Too Small: Tortoises in tiny terrariums that do not provide opportunities to dig or hide are constantly stressed. The permanent proximity to other tortoises or the lack of hiding places leads to stress and aggression, which often results in injuries.

Prevention and Responsibility: How to Protect Tortoises

It is the owner's responsibility to prevent this suffering and provide tortoises with a species-appropriate life. The most important measures are:

• Proper Diet: A balanced, calcium-rich diet that includes wild herbs, minimal fruit, and no animal proteins is essential.
• Naturalistic Housing with Adequate UVB Light: Tortoises need sunlight or special UVB lamps to stay healthy. A well-structured outdoor enclosure that provides space for digging and hiding places is ideal.
• Regular Monitoring of Conditions and Veterinary Care: Only through regular checks of housing conditions and preventive veterinary care can problems be identified and avoided in time.

Conclusion: Ignorance Is No Excuse for Animal Cruelty

Images of such tortoises should serve as a wake-up call. Tortoises are not easy-care pets that can be kept "on the side" on the living room floor. They require a specific environment that meets their natural needs. Any improper care is an offense that results in suffering for the animal. Responsible and informed care is the key to giving these animals a life free from pain and suffering. Visit the tortoise portal Panzerparadies.de to learn more about proper care and ensure that no animal suffers unnecessarily.